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Post by onemonkeybeau on Jun 16, 2009 13:13:35 GMT -9
Hey Kricket!
Welcome to our obsession!
Yeah, just push a little harder. Make your first incision and then pull down toward yourself.
As for circles, I employ the principal of "many small cuts look rounded in small scales".
Meaning that I cut round parts (i.e. shields, heads, curved swords, etc...) by making smaller straight cuts around the shape.
I make cutting out figs a game in that I try to find the easiest (and quickest) routes. It may take a while but pretty soon you eyes will see shortcuts automatically. I always look for angles, and the quickest way to get rid of the whitespace. If you look at my scraps after a cutting session, you'll find that the majority of scrap pieces are in the shape of a triangle.
Also, don't get too caught up in following the outline EXACTLY... that would be crazy. This is a trap that many newcomers fall into.
With the thick black outline and after a good edging job, the only thing you'll see on your gaming table is the figure itself and not your cutting job.
And finally, don't be discouraged if your blade's tip breaks... this happens to the most seasoned of cutters... it's just part of the hobby... and sooner or later you'll find a happy medium between pressure and angles...
*tip* I use a dulled blade as my scoring tool.
If you have any other questions feel free to post them here and we'll be sure to answer them for you!
Have a great time!
onemonkeybeau
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Post by kricket on Jun 16, 2009 13:41:47 GMT -9
*tip* I use a dulled blade as my scoring tool. onemonkeybeau Thanks onemonkeybeau, I'll try that technique for curves. The bases I'm cutting out (blank 25mm circles) only have a very thin line, but figures with a thicker outline ought to turn out much better. What is scoring exactly? |
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Post by abaddonwormwood on Jun 16, 2009 13:49:27 GMT -9
If you are totally new to cardstock modeling then you will find it "tough" on your fingers and hand at first. Not saying you will build up calluses but your hand's muscles will strengthen with time.
One tip with cutting - don't try and curve your blade's stroke too much in one cut. If you are doing a rounded edge take your time and shift the blade tip as it moves around the edge.
Also try and let your cardstock dry totally before cutting - less "rippage" potential.
Lord Abaddon of Wormwood
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Post by stevelortz on Jun 16, 2009 14:22:05 GMT -9
"Scoring" is a way of preparing fold lines so that they make a clean fold right where you want the fold to be. Scoring can be done by making a very light "cut" with a very dull blade, or by compressing the cardstock with a pointy blunt instrument like a burnishing tool or a ball-point pen that has run out of ink. Since nearly all fold lines are straight, it's very, very useful to guide your scoring tool with a straight-edge of some kind. This is from my slight experience. Other forum posters may want to contribute additional wisdom. Have fun! Steve |
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Post by kricket on Jun 16, 2009 14:35:23 GMT -9
If you are totally new to cardstock modeling then you will find it "tough" on your fingers and hand at first. Not saying you will build up calluses but your hand's muscles will strengthen with time. One tip with cutting - don't try and curve your blade's stroke too much in one cut. If you are doing a rounded edge take your time and shift the blade tip as it moves around the edge. Also try and let your cardstock dry totally before cutting - less "rippage" potential. Thanks for the heads up. I think I should be OK, years of manhandling a wacom pen has toughened up those muscles  "Scoring" is a way of preparing fold lines so that they make a clean fold right where you want the fold to be. Scoring can be done by making a very light "cut" with a very dull blade, or by compressing the cardstock with a pointy blunt instrument like a burnishing tool or a ball-point pen that has run out of ink. Since nearly all fold lines are straight, it's very, very useful to guide your scoring tool with a straight-edge of some kind. Aieee that makes sense. I did it the old fashioned way, all thumbs. I'll try it that way next time. Thanks! |
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Post by onemonkeybeau on Jun 16, 2009 14:53:29 GMT -9
Hey Kricket! For the round bases, I would glue them together and then cut them out with a pair of scissors... I wouldn't even bother with a blade. Yes, Steve is right RE scoring. I wouldn't even attempt scoring without a metal ruler... you can pick one up in the craft section at Walmart (or any craft store) for a few bucks if you don't have one lying around the house. Remember when scoring, the goal is to get a nice crease by either indenting the cardstock or cutting the first 'layer' to make it easier to fold. Here's a video I made a while back regarding this... I'm actually in the process of making a whole series of these... this was a test version... but possibly helpful nonetheless... my newer ones are much better ... and shorter. I was going to scrap it... but I'll throw it up here until the newer ones are complete. video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8120009204693162022&hl=enonemonkeybeau |
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Post by kricket on Jun 16, 2009 15:24:32 GMT -9
Here's a video I made a while back regarding this... I'm actually in the process of making a whole series of these... this was a test version... but possibly helpful nonetheless... my newer ones are much better ... and shorter. I was going to scrap it... but I'll throw it up here until the newer ones are complete. video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8120009204693162022&hl=enThat was an incredibly helpful video, I'd love to see more of them! Thank you. |
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Post by onemonkeybeau on Jun 16, 2009 20:07:44 GMT -9
Glad you found it useful!
Look for more to come in the next couple of months... I am developing a whole series of these, but I want to release them in batches of three to four.
onemonkeybeau
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Post by stevelortz on Jun 17, 2009 4:44:13 GMT -9
Most excellent tutorial, beau! and not just for the technical stuff. There's more of a personal connection hearing your voice and watching you work. I feel like I know you much better than I would just from your forum posts. It feels like a mini-GenCon or something.
Have fun!
Steve
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Post by onemonkeybeau on Jun 17, 2009 8:09:19 GMT -9
Thanks Steve!
onemonkeybeau
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Post by old squirmydad on Jun 17, 2009 8:54:45 GMT -9
That's a good presentation Beau. Your marker slip while edging actually serves to illustrate well why edging is a good idea at this early stage instead of on a finished base. I like to make a big batch of bases all at once and then I just have a bases box on my work table to store them in. Then when I finish a mini I can just find the base I need for it already done. |
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